Engineering & Technology
Network and System Administration
Network and System Administration teaches you how to design, implement, and maintain the IT infrastructure that keeps organizations running. You will learn to configure routers, manage servers, ensure network security, and troubleshoot hardware and software issues. The program provides hands-on experience with enterprise-level networking equipment and operating systems.
Program objectives
- 01Understand network protocols, routing, and switching technologies.
- 02Learn to install, configure, and manage Windows and Linux server environments.
- 03Implement network security measures to protect against cyber threats.
- 04Develop troubleshooting skills for complex hardware and software infrastructure.
Why choose this program
Critical IT backbone
Every modern organization relies on stable networks and servers, ensuring constant demand for these skills.
Hands-on, practical work
If you enjoy building things and solving tangible technical puzzles, this field is highly rewarding.
Clear certification pathways
Industry certifications align perfectly with this degree and boost employability.
Skills you'll build
- TCP/IP and network protocols
- Server administration (Linux/Windows)
- Firewall and network security configuration
- Virtualization and cloud infrastructure
- Troubleshooting under pressure
- Patience
- Attention to detail
- Communication with non-technical staff
Tools & software
- Cisco Packet Tracer / GNS3
- Wireshark
- Linux CLI
- Active Directory
- Bash/PowerShell scripting
Challenges to expect
Academic
- Memorizing complex network protocols and subnetting math.
- Understanding abstract concepts like virtualization and routing tables.
Technical
- Hardware failures and network outages can happen at any time, requiring quick diagnostics.
Financial
- Purchasing physical routers/switches for home labs or paying for certification exams can be costly.
Personal
- On-call responsibilities or after-hours maintenance windows can disrupt work-life balance.
Tips from the field
- Set up a home lab using virtual machines or old hardware to practice server and network configurations.
- Study for foundational certifications like Network+ or CCNA while in school to validate your skills.
- Learn basic scripting (Python, Bash) to automate repetitive system administration tasks.
Career paths
- Network Administrator
- System Administrator
- IT Infrastructure Engineer
- Cloud Administrator
- Network Security Analyst
Where you can study this
| Name | Latest cutoff | Tuition (annual) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Technology and Applied SciencesBSc | — | — |
| Ghana Communication Technology UniversityBSc | — | GHS 4,040–5,980 |
| Koforidua Technical UniversityHND | — | — |
| Bolgatanga Technical UniversityDiploma, BTech | — | — |
FAQs
Is this degree mostly about fixing computers?+
No. While you learn hardware basics, the focus is on enterprise-level infrastructure, managing servers, routing network traffic, and securing corporate data.
Should I get certifications while studying?+
Yes, industry certifications like Cisco's CCNA, CompTIA Network+, or Microsoft Azure fundamentals are highly valued by employers and complement the degree perfectly.
Will I have to work night shifts?+
System administrators often have on-call rotations or perform maintenance during off-hours to avoid disrupting business operations, so flexibility is required.
How does cloud computing affect this field?+
Cloud computing has shifted much of the work from physical on-premise servers to managing virtual infrastructure on platforms like AWS and Azure.
Is coding required for this career?+
Basic scripting (like Bash, PowerShell, or Python) is increasingly essential to automate repetitive administrative tasks and manage large-scale deployments.
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